News: MASTERPIECE on PBS Announces New Podcast

Downton Abbey, Sherlock Cast Interviews Kick Off "MASTERPIECE Studio"

MASTERPIECE, the high acclaimed drama series on PBS, announces the launch of their new podcast titled "MASTERPIECE Studio." The podcast will give an insider's view to some of the most popular shows presented on MASTERPIECE, including Downton Abbey and Sherlock. A teaser for the podcast highlighting upcoming episodes is now available, and will also be available at iTunes and other select services.

The podcast will officially launch on Monday, December 21 with an interview with Sherlock's Mark Gatiss (shown above, left), the co-creator, writer and actor who plays Sherlock's brother Mycroft. "MASTERPIECE Studio" is made possible by Audible, the world's largest seller and producer of downloadable audiobooks and other spoken-word entertainment.

Jace Lacob, writer, editor, and television critic, whose work has appeared in Newsweek, The Daily Beastand BuzzFeed, will host the podcast. Lacob remarked, "I am thrilled to host this podcast and to sit down with the talents behind the amazing programs on MASTERPIECE. These intimate conversations with the cast and creators of Downton Abbey and Sherlock explore their experiences and inspirations, and dissect the exciting twists and turns of these shows. These extensive interviews led to some surprising and personal stories that even the most ardent fans of the shows have never heard before.

Rebecca Eaton, Executive Producer for MASTERPIECE added, "We know MASTERPIECE has devoted, loyal fans and our new podcast 'MASTERPIECE Studio' is another way for them to experience what they love about our programs -- the great acting and incredible storytelling. We hope that anyone who loves British programs will come to hear how these amazing shows are made. And Jace Lacob is the perfect host." (MASTERPIECE on PBS is presented by WGBH.)

The first two full episodes have been announced: On December 21, there will be an interview withSherlock's Mark Gatiss leading up to the Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, a 90-minute special, premiering on January 1, 9pm ET on MASTERPIECE. On December 28, "Downton Abbey: The Final Season Preview" will be available. (Downton Abbey is a Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE Co-Production. Sherlockis produced by Hartswood Films for BBC One and co-produced by MASTERPIECE.)

In addition to one-on-one conversations, other features in the podcast include: A lively discussion led by Lacob with two other writers dissecting the previous night's episode of Downton Abbey; Anatomy of a Scene, where actors and producers talk in detail about their most memorable scenes; and comments by Alastair Bruce, the on-set historical advisor to Downton Abbey who talks about a single, fascinating historical detail in the recent episodes, and what to look for in the upcoming episodes.